Sexually Transmitted Infections in Women

Gaudium IVF Centre in Delhi

Sexually transmitted infections, as the name suggests,are the infections that are spread through sexualcontact of any type, including vaginal, anal and oralsex. Certain infections can be transmitted even bykissing or touching the genitals, which makes them allthe more contagious. Women, in particular are moresusceptible to STIs and some of these infections cancause implications as serious as female infertility.

Sexually Transmitted Infections in Women

Sexually Transmitted Infections in Women

While some of these infections are treatable,others like HIV and HPV, have long termconsequences and stay with the patient for alifetime. Moreover, some of these areasymptomatic, which means that people canspread them without even being aware of it.The contagious nature of STIs makes itimportant for women to be aware about them,because prevention is far better than treatmentin this case. A number of STIs are commonlyprevalent amongst women in the reproductiveage group. Let’s know all about them.

HIV

HIV, Human Immunodeficiency Virus, is a sexuallytransmitted infection which leads to a fatal diseasecalled AIDS (Acquired Immune DeficiencySyndrome). The chronic disease affects theimmune system and reduces the ability to ward offdiseases and infections. The infected person showsno symptoms to begin with but she may sufferfrom fever, sore throat, swelling of lymph nodes,fatigue, headaches and other flu-like symptomslater on. Persistent infections, weight loss,diarrhea and shortness of breath may raise analarm and the patient needs to get tested for HIVinfection. Once infected, the disease remains inthe body and cannot be treated; it can only bemanaged with medication to preventmultiplication of the virus and protect the immunecells.

HPV

Another common infection caused by sexual contactis HPV or human papillomavirus, which results ingenital warts, genital itching and bleeding duringintercourse. Those who indulge in oral sex can getsimilar warts in the mouth and throat too. There areas many as a hundred strains of the virus, out ofwhich a few can elevate the risk of cervical cancer.Like HIV, this infection too is not curable and it isbetter to take preventive measures against it. Whilethere are vaccinations that can be given to youngwomen, practicing abstinence from sex, beingmonogamous and avoiding contact with infectedpersons are the best ways to curb this STI.

Chlamydia

A bacterial infection of the genital tract, Chlamydiais usually asymptomatic in the initial stages and thesymptoms are mild enough not to cause concern tobegin with. The infection is characterized by painfulurination, vaginal discharge, pain in the lowerabdomen, pain during sexual intercourse andbleeding between periods. The disease is principallytransmitted by sexual contact and can lead tochronic pelvic pain and pregnancy complicationssuch as vaginal discharge. It can also cause femaleinfertility if left untreated.

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is another common bacterial infectionwhich infests the genital tract though it can affectanus, throat, mouth and eyes too. The symptomscan surface as early as 10 days after the infection iscontracted, while the disease can stay dormant formonths in some patients. Pain/burning sensationduring urination, thick or bloody vaginal discharge,heavy menstrual bleeding, bleeding betweenperiods, anal itching and painful bowel movementare some common symptoms that women infectedwith gonorrhea experience. The implications of theinfection are similar to the ones of Chlamydia.

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniais is a parasitic infection caused by anorganism called Trichomonas Vaginalis and is quitecommon amongst women, though it affects themale urinary tract too. Typically spread by sexualcontact with the infected person, the infectionmanifests itself within 5 to 28 days of beingexposed. Common symptoms that are seen inwomen suffering from Trichomoniais includevaginal discharge (clear, white, yellowish orgreenish), vaginal irritation, vaginal odor, painfulurination and pain during intercourse.

Syphilis

One of the most common bacterial STIs inwomen is syphilis, which not only affects thegenitals but skin and mucous membranes too.The infection is fatal because it can reach up tovital organs such as the heart and the brain. Itnot only gets transmitted sexually but can bepassed over from a pregnant mother to herunborn child too, causing infant death in manycases. To begin with (within 10 days to threemonths of being infected), the infection canshow symptoms such as a small, painlesssore(s) on the genitals, rectum, lips or tongue(it is important to know that syphilis canspread even by kissing).

Syphilis

The sores may resolve on their own but theinfection persists, going on to show itself withstronger symptoms such as fever, swelling inthe lymph nodes, rashes and fatigue. Thesesymptoms of secondary syphilis begin three tosix months after the infection and can gowithout treatment or come and go. If leftuntreated, syphilis can reach its tertiary stageand cause serious organ damage years afterbeing infected. In some people, it can belatent, without showing any symptoms foryears.

Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is an infection caused by herpessimplex virus HSV, which makes its way insidethe body through the skin and mucousmembranes. The infection may show nosymptoms at all, or it may be characterized byopen sores and blisters in the genital areas andaround the anus. These blisters start as redbumps, which get painful and itchy later andthen become ulcers which ooze and bleed afterrupturing. This may be accompanied by fever,swelling in groins, muscular aches and other flu-like symptoms.

Genital Herpes

When it comes to STIs in women, awareness isthe best way to safeguard oneself. Many times,these infections can cause silent harm and resultin female infertility, certain types of cancers andeven, death. Therefore, a woman should practicesafe sex and abstinence as far as she can.Additionally, it is crucial to be cautious andobserve any suspicious changes so that theinfection can be diagnosed and managed at theearliest.

Gaudium IVF Centre

At Gaudium IVF, the top infertility clinic in India, patients are provided advanced and high-tech

infertility treatment. Additionally, the clinic provides excellent gynecological treatment, including those

for sexually transmitted infections.

Visit Gaudium IVF to get a free second opinion from Dr. Manika Khanna, the best IVF specialist in India.

Gaudium IVF Centre in Delhi

A-41, Chander Nagar, Janakpuri West

(Near Janakpuri West Metro Station)

New Delhi – 110 058 (India)

Phone:+91-11-69418485, +91-11-43528485

+91-11-84854359, +91-8527858585

+91-9899953963, +91-9810739199

Email: info@gaudiumivfcentre.com

Website: https://www.gaudiumivfcentre.com/